Plants cannot tell the difference between organic and chemical fertilizers so why use organics? While organic fertilizers release nutrients slowly and improve the body of soil, chemical fertilizers impact the health of the soil by releasing salts into it eventually making their way into the ground water.

Chemical versus Organic Fetilizers

Chemical

Organic

Release nutrients rapidly

Release nutrients slowly feeding plants steadily over time.

Fertilizer lost to leaching (water washing nutrients away from plant roots so they cannot be used)

Increase water holding capacity

Leaching can pollute water sources

Increase nutrient holding capability of soil

Mineral salts may build up making soil toxic after continuous use

Promotes earthworms and soil micro-organisms

High chemical levels may repel earthworms and soil micro-organisms

Buffers soil from chemical imbalances

May burn plants (often need to be watered-in after application

Non-burning

Numerous types of organic fertilizer are available:

Fertilizer

Benefit

Bird and animal manure

Source of nutrients and micro-organisms. Must be well aged before applying directly to plants.